The ICN (International Code of Nomenclature for fungi, algae, and plants) states that species names are based on type specimens. These are either a single specimen conserved in a herbarium or museum, or a published or unpublished illustration. Unfortunately, type specimens are not always thoroughly examined prior to the use of a name. This has led to the gross misapplication of names in peer-reviewed scientific papers for the last 100 or more years. In his talk, Dr. Jeffery Hughey from Hartnell College will discuss his recent findings from analyzing the DNA of seaweed type specimens, as well as summarize the naming of new species, and the identification of collections of invasive seaweeds in the Monterey Bay.  More info here.